Performance and classical music listings

1812 Productions: The Big Time - New Vaudeville for the Holidays

Production w/a contemporary twist. Closes 12/31. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Pl.; 215-592-9560.

» READ MORE: www.1812productions.org

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A Child's Christmas In Wales Theatrical adaptation of the Dylan Thomas poem, featuring the 'puppet sculptures' of artist Sebastienne Mundheim. Closes 1/5. Lantern Theater at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts.; 215-829-0395. $30-$38.

A Christmas Carol Dickens' tale. Closes 12/29. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787. $20-$85.50.

A Christmas Carol An adaptation faithful to the original story by Dickens, with cherished carols. Closes 12/31. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $20-$34; $20-$31 seniors; $15 students.

Cape May Stage: Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol Marley's ghost is offered a chance at redemption - if he, in turn, can redeem Scrooge. Closes 12/29. Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; 609-884-1341. $35; $30 seniors; $15 children.

Cape May Stage: The Santaland Diaries Holiday humor written by David Sedaris. Closes 12/29. Congress Hall, 251 Beach Ave., Cape May; 609-770-8311. www.capemaystage.com. $25.

Cinderella: A Musical Panto Award-winning original take on the fairy tale. Closes 1/12. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $40-$50; $35-$45 children 17 and under.

Crowded Kitchen Players: A Christmas Carol Stage adaptation of Dickens' tale. Closes 12/22. McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown; 610-395-7176. www.ckplayers.com. $18; $14 seniors; $10 students.

Elf Musical adaptation of the movie about a human boy raised by elves at the North Pole. Closes 1/5. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$95.

I Love Lucy Live on Stage Musical adaptation of the TV comedy, set in a '50s-era TV studio. Closes 12/29. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. www.ilovelucylive.com. $25-$75.

I'm Tired of Playing Church Inspirational play about a woman torn between her friends & her church. Closes 12/21. Coatesville Area Senior High School, 1425 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville; 610-384-4175. $10 advance; $20 day of show.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas Stage adaptation of the movie, featuring the music of the composer. Closes 12/22. Surflight Theatre, Beach & Engleside Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ; 609-492-9477. $45.

Jersey Boys: National Tour This musical tells the story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, exploring their career & friendships. Closes 1/5. Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; Telecharge: 1-800-447-7400. www.jerseyboystour.com. $40-$137.

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical based on the biblical story of Joseph. Closes 1/5. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $42; $35 seniors; $25 children.

Meet Me in St. Louis: A Live Radio Play Adaptation of the MGM motion picture. Closes 12/29. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2121. $29-$57.50.

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home for the Holidays 1-man show about family chaos & hijinks during the holidays. Closes 12/31. Independence Seaport Museum - Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 855-448-7469. www.stevesolomoncomedy.com. $35-$55.

New City Stage Company: Frost/Nixon Tony-winning dramatization of the remarkable interview between David Frost & the former president. Closes 1/5. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500. ww.newcitystage.org. $30-$35; $25 students and seniors.

Philadelphia Theatre Company: Nerds New musical comedy about the rise of tech giants Bill Gates & Steve Jobs. Closes 12/29. Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org. $51-$79.

Pig Iron Theatre Company: Twelfth Night, or What You Will Romantic comedy about a girl disguised as a boy who winds up in the middle of a love triangle. Closes 12/22. FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd. www.pigiron.org. $59; $25 students 25 and under.

Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience Hilarious parody of the Harry Potter books. Closes 1/5. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-893-1999. www.pottedpotter.com. $35-$85.

Shrek the Musical Hit musical based on the storybook & animated film. Closes 12/22. Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St., Pottstown; 610-970-1199. $24-$27; $21-$24; $15-$17 students and children.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School Based on the book series by Louis Sachar. Closes 2/15. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2d St.; 215-922-1122. $32-$36; $20-$22 children 13-18; $16-$18 under 12.

Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas Concert of '20s-style music & comedy featuring 'America's queen of the double entendre.' Closes 12/29. Walnut Street Theatre - Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $35-$45.

Stick Fly A raucous of-the-moment portrait of an affluent African American family. Closes 12/22. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2d St.; 215-922-1122. $36-$48.

The 12 Dates of Christmas The story of one woman's experiences with life & love during the holidays. Closes 12/29. Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; Box Office: 215-654-0200. $27-$34.

The Peek-A-Boo Revue Philadelphia's premier burlesque show. Closes 12/20. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. www.peekaboorevue.com. $20.

The Story of My Life Touching musical about the lifelong relationship between 2 close friends. Closes 12/22. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $35-$49.

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! Theatrical adaptation of writer/actor couple Annabelle Gurwitch & Jeff Kahn's memoir about their relationship. Closes 12/29. Independence Seaport Museum - Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 855-448-7469. www.tomatoplay.com. $35-$60.

A Christmas Carol

Unique telling of Dickens' story. Closes 12/22. Central: A Christ-Centered Church, 2015 Pennington Rd., Trenton.

» READ MORE: www.centralchristmas.org

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A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol Played out by fairy tale characters. Closes 12/21. Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9300. $10.

American Fairy Tales Family-friendly fantasy stories, in time for the holidays, by the author of "The Wizard of Oz." Closes 12/31. Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; 215-427-9255. $12; $7 children.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Hourlong adaptation, featuring original & traditional tunes. Closes 12/22. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$16.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol 1-actor interpretation. Closes 12/22. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $12; $10 children.

Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs & Ham & The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant Vaudeville-inspired takes on children's books. Closes 12/29. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $20; $10 children 15 and under.

Enchantment Theatre Company: Aladdin & Other Enchanting Tales Theatrical adaptation of '1,001 Arabian Nights.' Closes 12/30. University of the Arts - Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St.; 215-496-9160. www.enchantmenttheatre.org. $29; $25 seniors; $16 children.

Murray the Elf & the Case of the Terrifying Tinsel Help Murray investigate a mysterious 'tinsel monster' who's been spotted at the North Pole. Closes 12/28. Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; Box Office: 215-654-0200. $12; $10 seniors; $8 children.

Quintessence Theatre Group: The Wind in the Willows Theatrical adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame book. Closes 1/6. Sedgwick Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.; 215-987-4450. quintessencetheatre.org. $25; $15 youth 21 and under.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Holiday story. Closes 12/22. Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; Box Office: 856-384-8381. $7-$9.

Storybook Musical Theatre: Princess & the Pea Original musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale. Closes 12/30. Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-659-8550. www.storybookmusical.org. $14; $12 children.

Actors' NET: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Musical adaptation of the film. Closes 12/22. Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-3694. $20; $17 seniors; $10 under 12.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol Marley's ghost is offered a chance at redemption - if he, in turn, can redeem Scrooge. Closes 12/21. Footlighters Theater, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn; Box Office: 610-296-9245. $13-$16; $6-$8 children.

The Wizard of Oz All of your favorite songs & characters from the MGM movie on stage. Closes 12/21. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139. $20.

Murder in Twelve Steps

The eccentric members of a behavior addiction support group become suspects in a murder. Ongoing. Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St.; Mystery Dinner Theatre Box Office: 215-238-1313. $45.95.

New Ark Chorale: Christmas Scenes

Chamber choir led by Michael Larkin. Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark, Del. $15; free 17 & under. 12/21. 3 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Messiah Annual performance of Handel's oratorio. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.philorch.org. $29-$124. 12/22. 2 pm.

Readings From the Chamber Music Collection Local musicians perform selections. Free Library of Philadelphia - Central Branch, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5372. Free. 12/22.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Blend of classical, rock & operatic elements in a seasonal show. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. www.trans-siberian.com/. $30-$70. 12/21.

Amici Opera Company: Il Pirata

2-act Bellini opera. United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.; 215-224-0257. $25; $22 seniors & advance; $15 students & children 12 & under. 12/21. 4 pm.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service No nursery care available at this service. Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E Court St., Doylestown. Free. 12/24. Early services include a children's message & choral music. Nursery care available.

Music 4 Nothin' Holiday Concert Jazz 4 Nothin', Choir 4 Nothin', 4 Nothin' Symphony, and Music 4 Nothin' present a joint concert. Favorites in jazz, choral, and symphonic stylings. St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 301 N. Main St., Doylestown. Free. 12/20. 7:30 pm.

Princeton Pro Musica: Handel's Messiah Annual performance of the oratorio. Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton; 609-683-5122. www.princetonpromusica.org. $25-$55; $10 students with ID. 12/22. 2-5 pm.

Singing Circle for People Impacted by Cancer Join other singers led by composer, performer & educator Julia Haines. No talent is necessary, just a willingness to have fun. Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (formerly the Wellness Community of Philadelphia), 4100 Chamounix Dr.; 215-879-7733. Free. 12/24.

The Brandywine Singers Choral singing group. St. Agnes Catholic Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester. $10-$15. 12/21. 7:30 pm.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 18-minute film of original imagery, music & more, shown on the Comcast Experience video wall. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.; 215-735-6760. Free. To 1/1.

Valley Forge Chorus: Holiday Harmony Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; TheaterMania: 866-811-4111. $17-$20. 12/20. 8 pm.

Belly Dancing

Students can study with belly dancers in Najia's studio and perform. Sangha Space, 116 W Baltimore Ave., Media. $100. 12/23.

Cardio Pop Dance your way to health and fitness. Nest Philadelphia, 1301 Locust St; $10. 12/23.

Carousel Ballroom's Holiday Dance Party At 8 the waltz is taught by Carlos Maldonado. From 9 to 11, open dancing to favorite Christmas music. All welcome, no partner needed. Appetizers and desserts served. Carousel Ballroom, 319 Westtown Rd., West Chester; dance@carouselballroom.com. $12 day of show. 12/21. 8 pm.

Eleone Dance Theatre: Carols in Color Music & dance performance celebrating the holidays. William Penn Charter School - Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts, 3000 W. School House Ln.; 1-800-838-3006. www.eleonedance.org. $30; $27 students, seniors and children. 12/21-22.

First State Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker Holiday tale of a young girl & her magical doll. W/music by Tchaikovsky. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 1-800-374-7263. www.firststateballet.com. $28-$48; $23-$43 seniors; $14-$24 students 18 and under. 12/21-22.

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.; Box Office: 215-893-1999. www.paballet.org. $35-$135. To 12/29.

South Jersey Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker 100 young dancers, professional sets, colorful costumes & classical ballet. 856-309-8282. Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Dr., Voorhees. www.southjerseyballet.com. $12-$18. 12/20-22.

Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance: The Nutcracker The DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington; 1-800-338-0881. $15-$45. 12/21-22.

Eddie Bruce

Cabaret musician with over 25 years experience. SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave. Free.

Jewmongous Jewish-themed comedy-song-variety show. Melodies Cafe, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore; 610-645-5269. www.jewmongous.com/. $15-$18. 12/21. 8 pm.

Rasputin's Room An evening of burlesque & drag performances. Ruba Club Studios, 414 Green St. www.lilsteph.com. $10.

Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars: Christmas Time Is Here Show choir presents a family-friendly concert of popular selections. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; Box Office: 610-622-1189. $6-$9.